Prison trains await unruly England fans

Between 50,000 and 80,000 England fans are expected to travel to South Africa, the largest contingent of any country

South African police have warned fans they will deal with them harshly if they step out of line
The chief of police in Cape Town, the venue for England’s second match in the
World Cup, has warned any supporters intent on disrupting the tournament
that they will be herded onto prison trains, tried on the spot and
transported to remote detention centres.

In an uncompromising response to the prospect of street brawls and antisocial
behaviour, the South African authorities plan to “face down” unruly fans
with rubber bullets and lock them in cells on the trains. They will then be
moved overnight to other parts of South Africa.

“People might say we are treating them like cattle, but if they behave like
animals then we will give no quarter,” said Rob Young, the Cape Town police
chief.

“Football hooligans might come here thinking they are tough, but we are the
toughest gang in town.”

Between 50,000 and 80,000 England fans are expected to travel to South Africa,
the